Ningbo Customs officials examine quality of grapes to be exported to Australia. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Over 1,000 boxes of Sunshine Rose grapes, totaling over 6,000 kilograms, are set to exported from Cixi, a county-level city in Ningbo, to Australia on Oct 24. This shipment marks the first time that Ningbo grapes have been exported abroad, heralding a promising start on international shores.

Cixi, renowned as the "hometown of grapes in southern China", has an extensive grape cultivation area spanning 56,000 mu (3,733.33 hectares), with a total production value of 570 million yuan ($80.12 million). The city is known for cultivating a variety of high-quality grapes including Kyoho, Sunshine Rose, and Summer Black.

Wu Kaibo, manager of a local farm, said, "Our Sunshine Rose grapes thrive in saline-alkali soil, known for their high sugar content, exceptional flavor, and enduring popularity among consumers. Additionally, they demonstrate high yields and competitive pricing, enhancing our position in the market," as he discussed the venture into international exports.

Wu added that Australia, currently transitioning into spring, is experiencing a shortage of fresh grapes in its local market. Capitalizing on this seasonal difference, the farm seized the opportunity to enter the global market.

Tailored to meet the sophisticated preferences of international customers, each cluster of Sunshine Rose grapes weighs around 1 kilogram, with individual fruits exceeding 15 grams in weight and boasting a sugar content exceeding 15 degrees. The anticipated selling price in Australia is set at 60 yuan per kilogram.

"If we achieve a successful debut, we are confident about securing another order from Singapore next month. Looking forward, we aim to expand into various overseas markets such as Thailand and Vietnam, to name a few" Wu expressed with conviction.